Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation.
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

In this context, The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist will play a key role in strengthening gender mainstreaming and social inclusion across programmes and projects. The specialist will support the integration of gender and social inclusion considerations in all initiatives, ensuring they are responsive to the diverse needs of communities. This role involves identifying gender-specific needs and barriers to social inclusion in agriculture, food security, and rural development; supporting the development and implementation of gender-sensitive programs in alignment with global gender strategies and national policies; strengthening stakeholder engagement, particularly with government agencies, development partners, and local communities; ensuring effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of gender-related outcomes using appropriate indicators; and building the capacity of staff and partners through training and knowledge-sharing on gender and social inclusion. This dedicated position at the Country Office will contribute to ensuring that interventions are equitable, inclusive, and effective in addressing gender disparities and social inequalities.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of FAO Representative, and in close consultation with the Country Programme and Administration team, Gender Officer in Regional Office and Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) in the Headquarters will undertake the following tasks.

Technical Focus

Provide needful M&E support to the FAO country programme/office in Nepal to carry out tasks as envisioned in the Terms of Reference (TOR).

Tasks and responsibilities

The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist (GESI Specialist) will be responsible to carry out the following tasks:

1. Implementation of Gender Mainstreaming Across Programs:
•    Integrate gender equality considerations into the design, implementation, and monitoring of FAO’s country and regional programs, ensuring they align with FAO’s Gender Policy (2020-2030) and the Country Programming Framework (2023-2027).
•    Support to review and update the project documents aligning with FAO gender policy and guidelines.
2. Technical inputs to FAO Teams:
•    Provide direct technical inputs to program teams in mainstreaming gender and social inclusion in all phases of program/project implementation.
•    Develop gender-sensitive indicators and ensure their integration into the program’s results frameworks, monitoring and evaluation systems.
3. Capacity Building and Training:
•    Develop and deliver gender equality and social inclusion training sessions for FAO staff, implementing partners, and stakeholders.
•    Organize workshops to build technical capacity on gender mainstreaming in the agriculture, climate change, and food security sectors, ensuring relevant staff can apply gender-responsive approaches.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
•    Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of gender mainstreaming in FAO’s country programs, identifying gaps and making actionable recommendations to improve integration and outcomes.
•    Prepare quarterly and annual reports that detail progress on gender equality goals, track the achievement of gender-related results, and document challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
5. Develop and Update Gender Strategy Documents:
•    Assist in the development and periodic updating of the Gender Strategy and Action Plan, ensuring alignment with FAO’s global gender priorities and the specific needs of the country or region.
•    Monitor the implementation of the Regional Gender Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2025) and ensure it is aligned with national gender strategies.
6. Advocacy for Gender Integration:
•    Advocate for gender equality within FAO’s internal processes, highlighting the importance of gender-sensitive policies and actions.
•    Promote the integration of gender equality and social inclusion into national policy frameworks, including through active participation in policy dialogues and consultations.
7. Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices:
•    Collect, document, and share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices from FAO’s projects to inform future programming.
•    Develop communication materials such as reports, newsletters, and social media content to disseminate success stories and best practices in gender equality and social inclusion.
8. Resource Mobilization for Gender Equality:
•    Support efforts to mobilize resources for gender equality initiatives by preparing gender-focused project proposals and supporting donor engagement on gender equality and social inclusion issues.
•    Ensure that gender-responsive budgeting is included in project planning and resource allocation processes.
9. Provide Gender Analysis for Policy Development:
•    Conduct gender analysis to assess the differential impacts of policies and programs on women, men, and marginalized groups, ensuring recommendations are integrated into FAO’s country-specific strategies and projects.
•    Provide technical advice on the design and implementation of gender-sensitive climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation policies.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en   
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology: http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    A master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, Agriculture, Environment Sciences, or a related field.
•    At least 5 years of experience in gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and social inclusion, especially in development contexts such as agriculture, climate change, or food security.
•    Working Knowledge of Nepali and English
•    National of Nepal or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills    

•    Gender Mainstreaming and Analysis
•    Capacity Building and Training
•    Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
•    Policy Development
•    Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
•    Knowledge Management
•    Resource Mobilization
•    Effective Communication
•    Coordination and Cooperation for project management

Selection Criteria

•    Professional Certification in Gender Mainstreaming or Gender Equality and Social Inclusion is an added advantage.
•    A Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist should possess expertise in integrating gender perspectives into programs, conducting gender analyses, building stakeholder capacity, engaging diverse stakeholders, developing inclusive policies, monitoring and evaluating gender-sensitive initiatives, managing knowledge dissemination, mobilizing resources for equality projects, and communicating effectively on complex gender issues.
•    Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, database analysis and power point) and knowledge and experience of report writing and technical document preparation Strong understanding of gender mainstreaming strategies and the ability to integrate gender into program design, implementation, and evaluation.
•    Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of gender-sensitive policies and strategies in a development context.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills to develop reports, training materials, and advocate for gender equality with stakeholders.